Kortsaldo

Kortsaldo is the remaining value stored on a prepaid card or in a digital wallet linked to a card. It represents the spendable amount available to pay for goods or services through that card. The concept is used in systems such as transit cards, gift cards, and prepaid payment cards. Depending on the issuer and jurisdiction, the balance may be stored on the card itself (offline) or in a centralized account (online).

How kortsaldo works: value is loaded onto the card, increasing the balance. Each purchase deducts funds. If the balance becomes zero, further transactions are not possible until more value is added. Some schemes may impose expiration dates, fees, or minimum balances; rules vary by issuer and country.

Checking and topping up: Balances can usually be checked at a card reader, via a mobile app, or on an online portal. Top-ups are offered at retailers, online, by bank transfer, or through automatic reload. There are often minimum and maximum limits for loading value.

Security and recovery: If the card is lost, recovery depends on the system. Unregistered or offline cards offer less protection, while registered, account-based systems may allow balance transfer or replacement after proving ownership. Privacy and fees may also vary by issuer.

Related concepts include stored-value cards, prepaid cards, transit cards, gift cards, and digital wallets.